Rosedale, MD Car Accident Lawyer

A severe car accident is capable of substantially disrupting a person’s life. The victim of the accident could be left with severe injuries, mounting medical bills, and extensive damage to their vehicle.

As a result, the victim will need to pursue compensation from the driver that caused the accident. If you or a family member was severely injured due to the actions of a negligent motorist, consult with an experienced Rosedale car accident lawyer today.

At Rice, Murtha & Psoras, we believe that victims of car accidents should not be unnecessarily burdened due to another motorist’s negligence. Our firm can help you pursue the compensation you deserve to help you get your life back on track. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your claim, contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291. You may also contact the firm online.

How to Proceed After a Car Accident in Rosedale, MD

Many people have a general understanding of what to do after being involved in a severe car accident in Rosedale. However, if the crash can likely lead you to file a lawsuit, you should ensure you take the following steps that can help when you choose to pursue your case.

Seek Medical Attention and Contact Law Enforcement

Before taking any other actions, your priority is to get yourself and any passengers to safety. If your vehicle is blocking traffic and it is still operational, you should move it to a safe area, which can be difficult if the accident occurs on a highway.

If you or a passenger suffered any injuries, you should seek medical attention. When being treated, be sure to mention what caused your injuries so the medical staff can help document the extent of your injuries.

This will be valuable evidence if you choose to pursue a lawsuit. You should also contact law enforcement to investigate the accident.

While the State of Maryland does not require that all car crashes be reported, crashes that occur under the following circumstances must be reported to law enforcement:

  • Accidents that caused a person to suffer an injury
  • A person involved in the accident does not have a valid driver’s license
  • One of the motorists was intoxicated at the time of the accident
  • One or more vehicles were disabled and required towing
  • Motorists have a disagreement regarding fault for the accident
  • A negligent motorist refuses to exchange information
  • The driver that caused the accident flees the scene

If the negligent driver flees the scene of the accident, you should try to take down their license plate and the type of vehicle they were operating. The terms of your insurance policy can determine the compensation you receive in the event of a hit-and-run accident.

Exchange Information with the Negligent Motorist

After you get to safety, you should exchange information with the negligent driver. This information should include:

  • The driver’s name and contact information
  • The make, model, and license plate of their vehicle
  • The insurance company that insures the vehicle

Additionally, if you believe that the driver was operating as a rideshare driver at the time of the accident, this is crucial information. If the driver is an employee of Uber or Lyft, the respective company may offer compensation for the accident.

Collect Evidence of the Accident

In anticipation of reporting the accident to your insurance company or pursuing a lawsuit, you should collect evidence of the accident. For example, if you were severely injured, you should take photographs of your injuries or the injuries of any passengers in your vehicle. Other information that should be documented include:

  • Photos of the damage to your vehicle and the vehicle that struck you
  • The intersection or highway where the accident occurred
  • The weather at the time of the accident and whether it played a role in the accident
  • Any other circumstances that could have caused the accident (e.g., belief that another driver was drunk)

Additionally, if any witnesses observed the accident, you should approach them for a statement. If any witnesses are willing to provide you with a comment, collect their names and contact information.

Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

Once you are able, you should report the Rosedale car accident to your car insurance company. Maryland is an at-fault state for car accidents. This means the negligent driver or their insurance company will be liable for compensating victims of the accident.

After reporting the accident, a claim adjuster from your insurance company will likely inspect the vehicle to assess the damage. They will also contact the insurance company for the negligent driver to recover compensation on your behalf.

At this point, a claim adjuster from the opposing insurance company will contact you to discuss the accident.

Be aware that the claim adjuster representing the negligent driver will not have your best interests in mind. Instead, they will look for ways to diminish your claim or avoid liability entirely.

If the negligent driver was underinsured or uninsured, you might need to file a personal injury lawsuit in Rosedale, MD. The policy limits for their insurance may not be sufficient to cover your medical expenses and other financial burdens.

Our Dedicated Rosedale, MD Car Accident Attorney is Here to Discuss Your Potential Claim

If you sustained a long-term or life-threatening injury after a catastrophic car accident, you should contact an experienced Rosedale car accident attorney to discuss your potential claim.

Personal injury attorney Randolph Rice has fought for residents of Rosedale, MD, for over a decade, and he would be pleased to represent you. We recognize the various problems that can arise after a severe car accident, and we are here for you.

You do not have to fight your case alone. Contact the auto accident injury lawyers at Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 for your free case evaluation.